OU Libraries logo

Citation

Alternate Title(s): Systema Saturnium
Author: Christiaan Huygens
Publication Location: The Hague
Year: 1659

Item Location

View Full Book

Summary

In this work, Huygens resolved the enigma of Saturn’s changing telescopic appearance by proposing that a ring surrounds Saturn at an angle, varying in visibility from the Earth. When Galileo first observed Saturn, it appeared as if in three parts, with “ears.” Shortly thereafter, the “ears” disappeared to Earthbound viewers, leaving the question of Saturn’s telescopic appearance an enigma.Just as Galileo discovered satellites around Jupiter, Huygens discovered the first known satellite of Saturn (named Titan by John Herschel).This work also includes the first known sketch of the Orion nebula, a cloudy patch in Orion’s sword. In the Starry Messenger, Galileo portrayed new stars visible through his telescope in the central part of Orion, but did not mention the nebula.

Related Items

Theme(s): Astronomy, Scientific Instruments
Chronological Period: 17th century
Geographical Region(s): Italy, Europe, Netherlands
Resource Type: Book